The New York Mets recently exercised their $5 million option on knuckleballer R.A. Dickey for the 2013 season and have expressed a desire to work out a multi-year extension. However, the possibility of a trade also exists.

Dickey, 38, is coming off a career year—one that could earn him the NL Cy Young Award next week. In 34 games (33 starts), he went 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA and an NL-best 230 strikeouts. He also led the league in complete games (five), shutouts (three) and innings pitched (233 2/3).

R.A. Dickey went 20-6 for the Mets in 2012. (AP Photo)

“It makes sense that they would think about selling high on him,” a National League talent evaluator told the New York Daily News. “There would obviously be a lot of interest.”

However, several MLB executives admitted there are some drawbacks for potential suitors. Among them: Dickey is under team control through only next season, and few catchers are comfortable catching a knuckleball pitcher.

In addition to trying to extend Dickey, the Mets are trying to work out a long-term deal with third baseman David Wright. They just exercised their $16 million option on Wright for 2013, but there is mutual interest in hammering out an extension this offseason.